Police Raid Properties Linked to Gem Group Chairman R Veeramani in POCSO Case

Tamil Nadu police have raided properties owned by Gem Group chairman R Veeramani as part of an ongoing POCSO case investigation. The central crime branch conducted surprise searches at multiple properties in and around Chennai following the arrest of a former employee. Four people have been arrested in the case so far, including Veeramani, his close associates Shanthi and her husband Mahandra Simhan, and former employee Ganeshan. Police recovered documents, digital evidence, and financial records during the raids. Investigators stated that Ganeshan, who worked for Gem Granite for 23 years, managed financial transactions and helped sell properties on the East Coast Road to evade arrest. Sale deeds show a 2.15-acre plot in Vettuvankeni was sold for ₹36.52 crore and a 1.44-acre plot in Neelankarai was sold for ₹43.72 crore on February 3, 2026. A social media video featuring Shanthi emerged prior to her arrest, in which she alleged she faced a life threat from Veeramani and his son Siddharth Veeramani, and claimed she was a victim of abuse starting from when she was around 13 years old. The case previously faced scrutiny after police initially sought to close it in February citing lack of details, but a special court refused the report and ordered further investigation, leading to the August arrests. Additional commissioner of police Narenthiran Nayar is leading the financial probe amid allegations involving police officers, media persons, and politicians. Former BJP chief K Annamalai demanded a Special Investigation Team probe to uncover the network that shielded Veeramani. Meanwhile, school education minister A Rajmohan stated the investigation is under the close monitoring of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.